F v G (private law final hearing), Re

F v G (private law final hearing), Re

The children should reside with their father as their welfare requires it; the mother has not demonstrated sufficient change in her parenting to ensure their safety and well-being. Contact with the mother should move to unsupervised, limited sessions with safeguards, as proposed by the father, as this balances the children's need for a relationship with their mother and their need for safety. The father is permitted to change C's school as it is in C's best interests given the evidence of his current difficulties and the benefits of the proposed change.

Parties
Applicant Mother: Ms F; Respondent Father: Mr G
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
18 April 2023
Procedural Posture
Children Act Private Law Proceedings / Final Judgment
Outcome
Application by mother refused; cross-application by father granted.
Legal Topics
Child Residence, Contact Arrangements, Change of School, Welfare of the Child, Parental Responsibility
Family Law Child Law Child Residence Contact Arrangements Change of School Welfare of the Child Parental Responsibility

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 3 Authorities cited 1 Party arguments 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Ms F

Applicant Mother

Mr G

Respondent Father

Procedural Posture

Children Act Private Law Proceedings / Final Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the children should reside with their mother or father
  2. 2 Whether contact with the mother should be supervised or unsupervised
  3. 3 Whether the father should be permitted to change C's school

Ratio Decidendi

The children should reside with their father as their welfare requires it; the mother has not demonstrated sufficient change in her parenting to ensure their safety and well-being. Contact with the mother should move to unsupervised, limited sessions with safeguards, as proposed by the father, as this balances the children's need for a relationship with their mother and their need for safety. The father is permitted to change C's school as it is in C's best interests given the evidence of his current difficulties and the benefits of the proposed change.

Court Disposition

Application by mother refused; cross-application by father granted.

Orders

  • Children to reside with their father and his partner.
  • Contact with mother to move to unsupervised sessions as proposed by the father, with conditions and possible supervised sessions during holidays.